After a recent press event rumours that Lamborghini will build its Estoque sedan have sparked up again. The cause? Lambo’s chief executive, Stephen Winkelmann, has stated that a third model line was under development.

Winklemann went on to say “It has to be an everyday car. We want to have a car which is able to be used on a daily basis.” He wasn’t kind enough to give clues like which segment the new car would compete in, but he did indicate that it would benefit from collaboration with the VW Group. He also confirmed that the car would take about four years before it reaches showrooms.

Suspicions are running high that the future vehicle is the a production version of the Estoque concept, which was originally unveiled way back at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. If the Estoque does reach production it’s likely to share underpinnings with the next-generation Porsche Panamera, Audi A9 and possibly a Bentley four-door coupe.

At the recent Bologna Motor Show in Italy, Lamborghini big boss, Stephan Winkelmann confirmed that the Lamborghini Estoque will finally enter production. The announcement of the production version of the Estoque was followed by word that there will not be a Lambo SUV in the near future as rumoured. A four door Lamborghini is a much more plausible business decision, especially considering that a concept has already been developed – the Estoque.

The Estoque concept was first premiered at the Paris auto show back in 2008 and received a lot of attention ever since. Measuring 5.15 meters in length, 1.99 m in width, and 1.35 m height the Estoque is a monster and has a 3.01 meters wheelbase. When it finally hits the streets the Estoque better be sharp because as a four-seat sportscar it will have to battle it out with the Porsche Panamera Turbo and the Aston Martin Rapide.

No details have been released yet regarding powertrain choices for the Lamborghini Estoque. However, it’s possible a V12 and all-wheel-drive combination would be the go.

Lamborghini have recently been left behind by rivals like Porsche and Aston Martin who have moved into the four-door coupe market. But there is hope yet and Lambo’s stunning Estoque concept vehicle may still be built.

Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said last week that “a four-door car would be a very feasible approach” to a third model for the brand.

It’s been a roller coaster ride for the Estoque which was initially thought to be headed almost directly to production after its concept debut at the 2008 Paris auto show. But shortly afterward Lamborghini stated that the car was not approved for production, and that there were no plans to build it.

Now it looks like the Estoque may get a second lease on life, thanks more sales for luxury vehicles and Lamborghini’s fresh desire to produce a higher-volume vehicle. Winkelmann did say that any new model in the Lamborghini range would have to produce significant sales, and that currently there are still no plans to build the Estoque.

In terms of competitors, Porsche’s Panamera is doing surprisingly well, having already sold over 25,000 units, making it Porsche’s second-hottest-selling model behind the volume-leader Cayenne. So it’s possible that the Estoque could provide a similar bump in figures for Lamborghini. While the Estoque wouldn’t compete directly against the Panamera it would likely take on the Aston Martin Rapide, in terms of both price and performance. The Rapide’s 6.0-litre V-12 engine is bigger and badder, but not as strong, pumping out just 470 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. It costs roughly $200,000 USD.

The Estoque concept was powered by a 560-horsepower 5.2-litre V-10 engine under the bonnet and could also be priced in the $200,000 USD range and could enter production as early as 2012.

The worldwide collapse of car sales has had a dramatic impact on most manufacturers, and super-expensive high-end cars are no exception. With no immediate signs of either a general economic recovery or an auto sales boost on the horizon, it’s not really the ideal time to develop an all-new exotic sedan. With that in mind, Lamborghini reportedly has chopped its plans to build the Estoque, which debuted as a concept at last year’s Paris Motor Show. Given the positive response it received, Lamborghini had started feasibility studies aimed at producing the new four-door. Instead, the company will focus on new versions of both the Gallardo and Murcielago, with a particular focus on weight reduction which is proving very popular among manufacturers at present.

R&D boss Maurizio Reggiani is also apparently rejecting calls for a dual clutch gearbox to replace the current e-gear automated manual. Reggiani says the DCT is too smooth and lacking in the hands-on drama Lambo owners desire.

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Finally Lamborghini has released full details and images of its exciting new creation, the Estoque concept. It’s officially a mid-engined sedan with four doors and four individual sports seats, it’s a designated sports car and a relaxed Gran Turismo, a multi-faceted vehicle for multi-faceted lifestyles. The car sits very low at just 4.43 feet high, but ample interior space is provided for four passengers due to a long wheelbase at over three metres in length.

No decision has been made by Lambroghini yet over production, but there is speculation that the Estoque will become the third model in their line up. Numerous engine possibilities exist including the V10 powerplant from the Gallardo, or a turbocharged V8, a hybrid V8 or even a high performance diesel. The Estoque is suitably named after the sword used by Matadors during a bull fight, so this is one concept that means business. The Estoque will be unveiled at this weeks Paris Motor Show, so stay tuned for further updates.